I have found that there are basically two ways for churches to acquire the answers they’re after:

• One is to farm out the project to an audio-visual subcontractor/designer. You essentially hire and pay for the expertise of an individual and/or company. My experience is that most of the time you’ll receive good advice and counsel. The downside is that churches often feel obligated to purchase their screens from that same individual or company who served as their “expert” and I’ve seen far too many pay substantially more than they should have for their screens.

• A second option is to use some of the online planning tools that companies like Da-lite provide free of charge.   In most situations where churches are installing screens, the calculations needed to determine the correct size are really easier than one assumes.  You simply enter the correct measurements and needs for your environment into the tools provided, and you’ll obtain the same recommendations you might pay significant dollars for.  Additionally, you’ll now be able to shop for the best prices on those screens without feeling obligated to anyone but your church.  In most environments, I recommend pursuing this second option first.

Let me also mention that when you’re ready to purchase your screens, you’ll almost always find the lowest pricing at Save Your Church Money.  Be sure and contact them for a quote before you purchase.

1.  Melamine:  This original surface is still sold today.  Melamine is essentially a paper surface that is applied over a press-board surface.  These boards are relatively inexpensive, but also can be scratched quite easily and begin losing their erasability almost with their first use.

2.  Painted Metal:  With this type of whiteboard, paint is sprayed onto a steel or aluminum surface.  As a result, these surfaces last longer than melamine.  They also tend to be smoother, which helps the erasability some, but does not eliminate the ghosting.  These surfaces are still able to be scratched very easily.

3.  Hardcoat Laminate:  This type of surface is relatively new to the market and therefore less common in churches today.  One of the advantages is that the surface generally has a lifetime warranty against such factors as staining and ghosting.  However, scratching is still very possible with this surface.

4.  Porcelain:  This is by far the most durable surface.  It is created by heat as a ceramic mixture is fired onto a steel surface.  The result is a surface that resists scratching , does not stain, erases magnificently,  and almost always carries a lifetime warranty.

From a cost standpoint, the price of each board increases as you move to each higher quality level of surface.  I almost always recommend to churches either a hardcoat laminate surface or the porcelain surface.  I’ve not seen churches satisfied over the long term with either painted metal or melamine surfaces.  Some involved with church furnishings will choose to go with melamine because of cost considerations, but I encourage you to think hard in before doing so.   Be sure and check with Save Your Church Money before your purchase, as often you may be able to move up one quality level for the same dollars because of the church-friendly pricing they offer.